Business leaders will offer Customers free Wi-Fi to entice them to stay longer. But, unknowingly, they are also opening their customers to tremendous risks.
Now, keep in mind that if you see the sign “WIFI is secure,” it does not necessarily mean so. This is because customers are only protected from outside this network; however not protected from customers using this network.
The Risks to you
The Man in the Middle
This is the most common attack customers will fall victim too. The man in the middle, or simple hackers, are notorious for eavesdropping on Wi-Fi signals. When you connect to the public internet, a password is sent between your computer to the server, and vulnerabilities can allow attackers to read all your VALUABLE information.
Fake Wi-Fi Spots
Sometimes Cybercriminals take the time to create copycats or an evil twin of the original Public Network. For example, luring mobile users to willingly give up their information to these “Fake Wi-Fi Spots.”
Unencrypted Network
The chances are high for the following public network to be unencrypted. This means that the information sent between your computer and the server is accessible to be read to whomever.
Malware
When an operating system is out of date, it is exposed to holes and weaknesses known as software vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals will exploit the following and will ensure malicious software known as Malware. Therefore, please ensure that you keep all devices up to date.
Dos & Don’ts
- Use a VPN
- Use a secondary email for login details
- Confirm the Network names with an employee
- Disable file sharing
- Do not access accounts with confidential information, Ie, Banking accounts
- Go to an un-secure website
- Log onto a network that is not password protected.